Clos L'Eglise 2016 (750ML)

94+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clos ''Eglise (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) rolls seductively out of the glass with notions of chocolate covered cherries, preserved plums and blueberry compote with hints of sautéed herbs, yeast extract, pain grillé, peppered salami and tilled soil. Full-bodied, concentrated and totally sensuous in the mouth, it has a wonderfully plush texture and just enough freshness supporting generous fruit layers, going to a long, savory sparked finish." 03/19

92 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This has a juicy core of damson plum, raspberry and cherry coulis flavors, offset by light black tea and floral notes. Offers a rounded feel through the finish while retaining a sense of freshness. Hard to resist the fruit here. Drink now through 2030. 1,500 cases made." 03/19

95 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Lots of smoke, black olives and brown sugar to the ripe fruit on the nose. Full body, rich and chewy tannins and a spice, toffee, smoke and coffee finish. Not overdone. Needs at least five years to come together. Try after 2024." 04/19

97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "I'd put the 2016 Clos L'Eglise up with the top vintages out there, including the 1998, 2000, 2005, and 2009. It has a similar level of purity compared to the 2015 yet offers even more power and concentration. A huge nose of crème de cassis, crushed violets, graphite, lead pencil, violets, and damp earth gives way to a flawlessly balanced, full-bodied 2016 that has sweet tannins, no hard edges, and that rare mix of power and elegance. Do your best to hide a case of this beauty in the cellar. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face any time over the coming 25-30 years!"

95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Antonio Galloni: "The 2016 Clos L'Eglise is endowed with tremendous density and lushness. Blackberry jam, chocolate, leather, spice and licorice give the 2016 much of its flamboyant, forward personality. Readers should expect a rich, explosive Pomerol built on textural resonance. The 2016 spent 18 months in French oak (300-500L barrels), 80% new. This is a terrific showing from Hélène Garcin and Patrice Lévêque." 12/18

95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2016 Clos l’Eglise has a delineated and very focused bouquet with rose petal and mint tinged red berry fruit, touches of truffle and chestnut emerging with time. The palate has improved since I last encountered it, gaining more precision and mineralité. It is finely poised with hints of dark chocolate and mint, less leafiness than I have noted in the past. The 2016 is finally coming into its own. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical." 06/21